Urban murals in Callao were a key tool for highlighting opposition to the industrial project as communities, supported by the Lutheran Church of Peru, demanded that public health be prioritized over economic interests. Photo: Private
Climate activists denounce damage that a planned lime processing plant could have on local communities
(LWI) - Against a backdrop of growing concern over the environmental impact on vulnerable urban neighborhoods in the coastal city of Marquez (Callao Province), the Lutheran Church of Peru (ILP- Iglesia Luterana del Perú) and other local communities have welcomed the government's recent decision to reject an industrial company’s plan to build a lime processing plant close to densely populated areas.
ILP and other stakeholders commended the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) for not approving the company's Environmental Impact Statement, describing it as a significant step forward in defending people’s right to live in a healthy and safe environment. The decision came after several months of organization, mobilization and protests by local residents, who expressed concern about the potential consequences the plant could have on the community’s health and quality of life. The ILP community played an active role supporting efforts to raise awareness, engage in dialogue and defend the local area.
Residents and organizations claimed that the environmental impact assessment underestimated the effects on public health and failed to carefullyconsider nearby communities such as Márquez and Oquendo. The area is already affected by high levels of industrial pollution, which is why the project was seen as a direct threat to the lives and well-being of the local population.
We must join forces and raise our voices to say that God’s creation is not for sale.
Rev. Ofelia Dávila, President, Lutheran Church of Peru
Throughout this process, the ILP has actively supported the local inhabitants’ demands, reaffirming a commitment to climate justice and the protection of creation. Through their participation in marches, forums and other public activities, members of the church joined a broad network of civil society actors calling for transparency, effective public participation and respect for environmental rights.
Among the prominent voices is María Luz Chirinos, a member of the Lutheran community, who played an active role in the demonstrations. “As Christians, we cannot remain silent in the face of the abuses committed by those who believe they own a world that belongs to God,” she said during one of the protests. After PRODUCE’s decision was announced, she added: “Today we feel that our voice has been heard, but this is merely a warning to politicians to legislate in favour of the people and God’s creation, because the public will remain vigilant in the face of the socio-political context our country is currently experiencing, where democracy is weak and our laws are easily violated,” she concluded.
Residents of El Callao celebrate success in defending their neighborhoods against pollution after community-led coordination persuaded the Ministry of Production to reject the plant’s environmental impact assessment. Photo: Private
María Luz Chirinos, a member of the Lutheran community, leads protests with a megaphone in Callao where the commitment of residents from Márquez and the support of the church were crucial in halting the lime plant project. Photo: Private
Residents of Márquez unfurl banners with the words “Life yes, lime no” and “Let’s promote the right to health” in front of the iconic Callao sign, demanding the right to health for future generations. Photo: Private
ILP President Rev. Ofelia Dávila said: "As a church, we denounce actions that harm the lives of people and creatures of the ecosystem, as they are part of God’s creation. We therefore support efforts to speak out against such actions and demand respect for life, because pollution is a harbinger of disease and death; and the families of Márquez, Oquendo, Mi Perú, and even Ventanilla are affected every day by noise and environmental pollution that damages their air, seas and soil, causing illness among the general population.” She concluded that “a world without pollution is possible, and that is why we must join forces and raise our voices to say that God’s creation is not for sale”.
The experience in Márquez illustrates how faith communities can play a key role in promoting environmental justice, particularly in areas considered ‘sacrifice zones’. It also highlights the importance of community organization and public advocacy in ensuring that political decisions prioritise life over economic interests.
This process underscores the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between churches, the local inhabitants and organizations in the defence of environmental and climate rights. What happened in Callao not only halted a controversial project, but also sent a clear message: climate justice is built from the ground up, with the active participation of those who defend life on a daily basis.
